National Solar Group Applauds Gov. Sandoval for Signing Bill to Help Nevada Grow Solar Jobs, Boost Its Clean Energy Leadership

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), representing the industry nationally, applauded Nevada Governor Brian Sandoval for signing into law a bill that effectively returns the state to the pro-growth solar policy it had before a 2015 regulatory decision all but froze the residential solar market. The measure (AB 405) establishes an updated net metering policy that encourages home solar and provides strong solar consumer protection measures, including a “Bill of Rights” for solar customers that SEIA strongly supports.

Following is a statement from Sean Gallagher, SEIA’s vice president of state affairs:

“Governor Sandoval deserves credit for his leadership on solar. History will show that today Nevada took an important step that will return it to its rightful spot as a top solar state. This law will give homeowners and businesses who may have wanted to go solar the assurances they sought, and we expect strong solar growth and jobs to follow. We applaud Assemblymen Watkins, Brooks, Yeager, and Fugo and Senators Ford, Atkinson, Manendo, and Spearman for their efforts to prepare and pass this bill out of the Legislature.”

Background:

Nevada lost almost 2,600 jobs after the Public Utilities Commission of Nevada eliminated net metering in late 2015. AB 405 will help bring those jobs back by spurring increased demand for solar. The bill incorporates a discounted rate for energy that is sent to the grid, allowing all Nevada homeowners with rooftop solar to get credit when they export electricity back to their utility.

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About SEIA®:

Celebrating its 43rd anniversary in 2017, the Solar Energy Industries Association® is the national trade association of the U.S. solar energy industry, which now employs more than 260,000 Americans. Through advocacy and education, SEIA® is building a strong solar industry to power America. SEIA works with its 1,000 member companies to build jobs and diversity, champion the use of cost-competitive solar in America, remove market barriers and educate the public on the benefits of solar energy. Visit SEIA online at www.seia.org.